Geneva

Donny, I asked a former 1974 Beverly Cardinal about that. He says that the corps had no rehearsals for 3 weeks before DCI due to poor management planning. To top things off, they rode into Ithaca in school buses, a very uncomfortable ride, and they were just beat.

A quick thumb through the DCW history book shows St. Rita's Brassmen of Brooklyn finishing second in the finals of the World Open in 1972 and 1973. The NYC corps did not usually travel far and the competitive record for them is pretty thin for most of the VFW and AL nationals.

Me, too. Look for the soprano player with the crystal purple 3C!

It is heartening to see that despite all the changes that drum corps has undergone over the years, the core principles and motivations remain the same as when I marched...that single minded pursuit of the perfect and powerful performance delivered with a passion that has no self consciousness. Wow, to have had those numbers of talented and motivated individuals to CHOOSE among. What a dream and what a great experience for those involved. My best wishes to all the hopeful auditionees.

Great to hear so much interest in the corps for the upcoming season. I am not surprised after seeing what an appealing program they had last year. You could feel the good vibes and momentum the organization had last summer. Out of curiosity, do last year's members also have to audition for spots or are they given preferential treatment?

I would like more information about Northern Aurora. I never saw this corps.

Here is a link to my discussion thread on Ornaments from years past. http://www.drumcorpsplanet.com/forums/inde...=107303&hl= You will find some interesting insider stories.

The oscillating file? Great effect! I will never be able to perform this piece again without those newly discovered lyrics, "Don Quixote, lord of the macho...destroyer of evil" zinging through my brain. It certainly adds a new dimension to the piece for me.

Blue Rock and several others according to corpsreps.com... 1971 Belvederes Midnight Cowboy Amazon Barry, John 1971 Blue Rock Midnight Cowboy Amazon Barry, John 1971 Cascades Midnight Cowboy Amazon Barry, John 1971 St. George's Olympians Midnight Cowboy Amazon Barry, John 1971 Syracuse Marauders Midnight Cowboy Amazon Barry, John 1972 Belvederes Midnight Cowboy Amazon Barry, John 1972 Blue Angels Midnight Cowboy Amazon Barry, John 1972 Blue Rock Midnight Cowboy Amazon Barry, John 1977 Northstars Midnight Cowboy Amazon Barry, John 1977 Titans (WA) Midnight Cowboy Barry, John 1978 Northstars Midnight Cowboy Amazon Barry, John 1980 Long Island Kingsmen Midnight Cowboy Amazon Barry, John 1981 Long Island Kingsmen Midnight Cowboy Amazon Barry, John

I agree. It was pretty special out there. I was smiling all the way back to Danvers.

Troopers 1957-1966 SCV visual 1968-1980 DCI Hall of Fame 1989

Appleknockers (in my dreams)!

Interesting observation, but 60's Troopers DID lead the charge with awesome execution (and of course the signature sunburst move). I remember seeing them at a show in NYC in 1966 (pre-nationals) which included Royal Airs who at the time were defending AL, VFW, and CYO champs. The level of drill execution by Casper was a real eye-opener with razor sharp lines, perfect interval and cover, and a guard which had military bearing beyond belief. They were a veritable marching machine. Royal Airs who were musically sophisticated and very talented, just suffered in visual comparison to Casper who had taken it to another level with the exactness of their execution. For the most part, it was execution of basic drill fundamentals and not design (with a nod to the sunburst) with which Casper lead the charge.

Oops. What was this player's nick name?

#2 I marched with in 1974 Auburn Purple Lancers. Hint: baritone soloist and son of the director.

Scooter, No complaints from this G-D era soprano player. The change gave us an A and A flat above the staff which now felt like real notes instead of land mines which you had to dance around. Also, it added notes on the staff which made it possible to play melodies in a lower register or gave the seconds and thirds more notes to harmonize with.

Linda, I have great memories of the late 60's and early 70's Canadian drum corps. We (Geneva Appleknockers) competed against your brother's corps, Del, a lot. I always liked their horn lines and musical selections. Sarnia in 1966 was my first drum corps "tour". We were hosted by the Sertomaniares and competed at the Chemical Valley Festival. I remember getting a tour of the many petroleum refineries from a proud corps father. Sertomaniares' Doug Gibb was an amazing player. Do you know if he is still playing (attention SarniaSam)? Your pictures from Ogdensburg brought back good memories. We were recorded there by Fleetwood in 1970. I still remember the announcer who spoke English as a second language. They grow some monster mosquitos up there! I later learned that not far distant Montreal was once an endemic area for Malaria. I can understand why after meeting the voracious insects on the competition field! By 1973, we competed against the rising stars of Etobicoke and Seneca on our way back from the U.S. Open. 1974, my final year of competitive drum corps, I played with the Auburn Purple Lancers. Reenter Del. We had beaten them earlier in the season, but they came on strong and surprised us at Ithaca. It was good to see the regional drum corps finally getting some recognition on the championship level in my last year of competition. I felt as though I had arrived at long last.

Here are a couple that I bet precious few will recall: "Where Am I Going?" (A beautiful and soulful arrangemement) "Aura Lee" and "Amparita Roca" were nice as well. Arrangements by Dr. Nicholas D'Angelo of Hobart and William Smith Colleges, Geneva, NY and performed by the Auburn Purple Lancers in 1971. How about it Inthemood? Do you remember?

Great stuff, Frank! Thanks for putting together a program with so much truth. I will be sure to offer it up to my little drummer, Adrian. Oh, Scott tells me the CD is on the way. All the best.

Last year was my first Plymouth marching experience. I hope it is warmer this year. Wind gusts off the north Atlantic are not fun!

Maybe , Fred. This past season I was able to take a close look at horn rehearsals of two horn lines in the top ten (one in the upper tier and one in the lower tier) and I didn't notice a big difference in playing competence. What I did perceive was a difference in the sophistication and originality of the programs. Now I did not have the same opportunity with an 11-15 range corps, so maybe. What I appreciated from Madison last year was solid playing, but a program which didn't really work. That is why, in their case, I believe staff and programming changes may reap some placement benefits sufficient to boost them several places.

Only for those who lack the capacity to conduct mature discussion. Forums are all about opinion and objective give and take, which we have enjoyed a lot of here.

This makes a lot of sense to me!

In my opinion, the top 15 are pretty close in talent. I think in the modern era of drum corps it is all about program and instruction.

This is not meant as flame bait. I am very excited about the staff which Madison has coming together for this next season. I would be astounded if they do not make finals next year. Not only is this a great move for Madison, but great for drum corps in general. It can only serve to raise the bar even higher. I can think of no one more qualified to reestablish the Madison brand as, "the drum corps', drum corps" than James Mason. James, having marched with them in 1975 lived the dream of Madison's heyday. I marched against Madison often during the 1974 season and was completely taken by the image which this corps projected. 1975 was like them taking care of a little unfinished business from 1974 (the championship). I am thrilled to see that the task of reestablishing the Madison brand is in capable and understanding hands. And what a staff he is putting together! I can't wait to see the 2010 product. I would predict some ground breaking concepts in the finest Madison tradition. I hope the corps members realize how lucky they are...oh, to be young again and experience this opportunity. I welcome your thoughts.